An ancient spoon of classic shape, with a pointed spoon on the side of the curved, openwork handle and crenellated edges. This type of spoon has long been misattributed to the Boa and sometimes even the Lega, but in fact originates from the Bango (Kabango) populations living in the southwest of Lega country, north of the Zimba. The style and patina of this piece testify to its age. It can be compared with another spoon in the former Leloup collection, attributed to the Lega (no. 87) in Daniel Biebuyck's catalog for the La Sculpture des Lega exhibition at Galerie Leloup in 1994. Bango, Democratic Republic of Congo 19th century Ivory, small accident and old cut visible at the handle, very fine old patina. H. 15.3cm Provenance : Acquired between 1956 and 1957 by Mr. V territorial administrator in Maniema between 1952 and 1959